Colombo
Colombo, a commercial and tourist hub on the west coast of Sri Lanka. The vibrant canal city boasts golden beaches and a photogenic promenade, gorgeous temples, and chic restaurants among impressive skyscrapers. Must-see attractions include the grand and atmospheric Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple, and Hindu Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil, known for its exquisite interiors.
A historic Dutch quarter beckons to be explored - the Dutch Hospital and Dutch Period museum are quite fascinating, and the artisan colonnaded craft stores lend a special air to the area. Nature lovers will enjoy walking through the beautiful Talangama Wetland which fringes the city or taking a short break from the city bustle in the Viharamahadevi Park, known for its delightful flowering trees and local snake charmers.
ITINERARY INSPIRATION FOR COLOMBO
Sri Lanka Grand Tour
16 nights from £2,445 per person
Sri Lanka Hills, Wildlife and Beaches
14 nights from £3,757 per person
Sri Lanka and The Maldives
14 nights from £3,155 per person
Sri Lanka - Off the Beaten Track
17 nights from £3,902 per person
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN COLOMBO
Gangaramaya Temple
A fascinating Buddhist temple blending Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles. This spiritual sanctuary houses an impressive collection of relics, statues, and artifacts, offering insight into Sri Lanka’s religious heritage.
Colombo National Museum
The largest museum in Sri Lanka, showcasing the island’s rich history through ancient artifacts, royal regalia, and traditional artworks. The colonial-era building itself is a sight to behold.
Lotus Tower
Standing at 350 meters, this striking pink tower is the tallest in South Asia, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline. The observation deck is a must-visit for photography lovers.
Mount Lavinia Beach
Just a short drive from the city centre, this golden-sand beach is perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the sea, with beachside restaurants serving fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.
Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque
The Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, also known as the Red Mosque, is an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Pettah. Built in 1908, its distinctive red-and-white candy-striped façade stands out amid the bustling streets of the city’s commercial district.
Old Dutch Hospital
One of the oldest buildings in Colombo, now transformed into a stylish shopping and dining precinct. Enjoy fine dining, sip cocktails at a rooftop bar, or browse high-end boutiques. Our favourite restaurant here is the Ministry Of Crab!
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN COLOMBO
The Kingsbury
Colombo
5 star
Shangri-La Colombo
Colombo
5 star
Galle Face
Colombo
5 star
SPEAK TO A SRI LANKA EXPERT TO START PLANNING YOUR TAILOR-MADE JOURNEY
WHY BOOK WITH TAILORED JOURNEYS?
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Every holiday is tailor made to the finest detail to match your preferences
We offer unique experiences to help create truly rewarding memories
Your interests are our priority and we handpick activies accordingly - whether its cycling through rice fields in Vietnam or a special dinner under the stars for your honeymoon
HANDPICKED HOTELS
All hotels are handpicked based on individual specifications
The hotels we choose are ones where we have either personally stayed or visited
We make sure that you will have some of the most incredible views from your hotel that will surely stay in your memory forever
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
All of us here are from, have lived and/or worked in your chosen destination
Our local, qualified guides are courteous, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile for every Tailored Journeys client
We have built special relationships with incredible people who help us bring an authentic element to our holidays
SUPPORT & TECHNOLOGY
You will have the same specialist look after your trip from start to finish
You will have the support of a local office in each destination and access a 24 hour mobile number here in the UK
You will also have access to an interactive app so you can view your itinerary offline